Who needs circuit breakers?

[Paul_C]

Thought some of you might like to see this one. I ran across this "interesting" DIY job a couple of years ago.

Do you notice a distinct lack of red wires in here?

Well, that's because they're all hiding down by the busbar!

I still find it incredible that somebody went to all that trouble to get it so wrong!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Were you able to shout at the perpetrator, and make him feel worth less than dogsh*t on the sole of your shoe, or was it the previous owner who'd done it?

 

[Paul_C]

Previous owner as I recall. I don't think the present occupier had ever tried turning off an MCB -- And I know for sure that one never tripped!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's mind-boggling, isn't it. Did you tell the new owner what a potential disaster it was, and suggest that a full inspection was in order? God knows what else the idiot had done.

 

[Paul_C]

Naturally -- Told him he was very lucky he'd not had a fault which could have easily started a fire and suggested that there may well be other dangers lurking.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's times like that that you wish there was an electrical equivalent of the "immediately dangerous do not use" gas label....

 

[securespark]

Now, c'mon!

Did he not begin to think even at a basic non-technical level how this set-up would function?

I have two questions for him: I know I'm shouting, but he sounds like the kind of guy that NEEDS shouting at!

HOW CAN AN MCB DISCONNECT THE SUPPLY WHEN THE CIRCUITS ARE DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE BUSBAR?

WHAT ARE THE HOLES IN THE OTHER END OF THE MCB FOR?

God help us all. I've really seen it all now!

 

[Canny]

I'm absolutely amazed (or horrified really) that anyone could have the knowledge and (in)competence to make the circuits work without understanding the purpose, function and usage of the breakers.

 

[salem2000]

Scary S**t, what was he thinking, or not as the pics show. Does anyone else have any scary pics.

Maybe "DIYnot" could start a How Not To Gallery.

Salem.

 

[t4msy]

OMFG Just one more reason why part p is a good idea.

 

[kendor]

At least he'd have no trouble with "nuisance tripping"

 

[ban-all-sheds]

OMFG Just one more reason why part p is a good idea.

I wondered how long it would be before someone voiced that opinion.

It's a jolly good example of why what is needed is an education and training campaign and system. The bloke who did that did it out of ignorance, not because he didn't care.

The answer is a system which addresses and remedies his ignorance, not Part P, of which he would probably have been ignorant anyway...

 

[shaggy]

The education system in the UK has been going downhill for years despite increased pass-rates for exams. Everyone knows the exams have been getting easier every year, so the results are becoming meaningless. Boys used to learn woodwork and girls used to learn how to bake cakes and this knowledge is far more useful in the real world. Basic domestic wiring and plumbing should be taught in schools instead of wishy-washy subjects like psychology and sociology.

 

[racket]

B&Q has a lot to answer for, they probably sold him the consumer unit. Isn't it about time they had somebody on the electrical side who is able to spot the gormless looking bloke buying stuff like this, and is able to say to them.........."excuse me sir do you know what the f*** your doing.

 

[ChrisRogers]

The education system in the UK has been going downhill for years despite increased pass-rates for exams. Everyone knows the exams have been getting easier every year, so the results are becoming meaningless. Boys used to learn woodwork and girls used to learn how to bake cakes and this knowledge is far more useful in the real world. Basic domestic wiring and plumbing should be taught in schools instead of wishy-washy subjects like psychology and sociology.

i must say i hate people with a passion who say that. As a student i can tell you that exams are not getting easier. I am currently preparing for my GCSEs and the pressure to succeed is unbelievable. then we have to put up with all the crap from people like you about how things are getting so much easier and the exams should be made harder. let me tell you the only reason some people do well in them as they work their ass's off for them. funny how the media dont point out how many people fail their GCSEs?

/rant over